Little resigns as Gentry's football coach Plans to continue as high school's dean of students and athletic director

Coach Brian Little
Coach Brian Little

GENTRY -- Many hearing or reading of Coach Brian Little's resignation as Gentry's head football coach, though saddened he will not be leading the Pioneers onto the gridiron with his level of professionalism and skilled coaching next fall, will be relieved to know that he plans to continue to serve the Gentry School District in his roles as dean of students and as the district's athletic director.

Little's resignation as head football coach was accepted by the school board at its Dec. 15 meeting.

In a Dec. 19 release regarding his decision, Little wrote the following:

"After eight seasons as the head football coach at Gentry High School, I have resigned that portion of my job. I believe it is important to do so now in order to allow for the maximum time to establish a committee, search for and review candidates, and hire a replacement. It will be important for whomever is hired, that they have as much time as possible to plan and prepare for the 2015 season, and that the transition not have to occur abruptly.

"I also recognize that there is time for change. I believe that I, and those who have served with me, have given our best efforts to make the football program respectable and competitive, and that we were able to bring the program along in eight years from some of the leaner times experienced in the eight years prior. However, it is time to pass the torch along to someone who can take the program to the next level -- sometimes a fresh start is needed.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as Gentry's head football coach. There may not have been the impact on the scoreboard that was always desired, but I believe there was impact made for the purpose of preparing young men for life as future husbands, fathers and productive citizens, and that it was blessed by God for His purpose -- there is no greater mission field than the sports field.

"I hope to continue promoting and supporting all of Gentry's athletic/activity programs in my role as dean of students and athletic director. I believe we have made program-wide progress in recent years and believe that there are many positive days ahead for Gentry athletics. I believe that the people of Gentry are passionate about their school and community, and I want only the best for all."

Little struggled to build a strong football team and be competitive in the 4A Conference due to limited numbers of players with Gentry being one of the smaller schools in the conference. Opposing teams often had twice the numbers of players at the ready on the sidelines.

Little said he and his wife have enjoyed being a part of the Gentry community and he hopes they can continue to raise their children here.

Randy Barrett, district superintendent, said the decision was Little's and one he and the board concurred with, but Barrett declined any further comment at this time. Barrett said a committee would be formed to hire a new coach.

Sports on 12/24/2014